Mondial 1952 Stampato 198cc 1cyl OHV 3401

Mondial 1952 “Stampato” 198 cc OHV frame & engine # 590
Few marques have achieved so fine a competition record in so short a time as FB Mondial. FB Mondial was founded in the aftermath of WW2 by the Boselli family, whose first venture into powered transport had been with the FB (Fratelli Boselli) three-wheeled delivery van in the 1930s. The name ‘Mondial’ first appeared on a motorcycle in 1948, when the Boselli brothers introduced a revolutionary double-overhead-camshaft 125 cc racer. Mondial’s miniature masterpiece duly brought the Bologna manufacturer its first World Championship the following year and proved equally dominant in 1950 and ’51.
After a relatively lean spell, Mondial returned to Grand Prix glory in 1957, taking both the 125cc and 250cc World Championships. Not surprisingly, Mondial’s passion for racing rubbed off on its road range, which was exquisitely engineered and beautifully constructed in a manner unmistakably Italian. The firm specialised in in high-performance, small-displacement motorcycles. Much of the production of each motorcycle was done by hand, which kept output low, with production numbers typically ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 units per year. Mondial were able to continue this success for a number of years.
The 198 cc “Stampato” has bore x stroke dimensions of 62 x 66 mm and weighs a mere 110 kg. its max output is 12 hp @ 6000 rpm, good for a top speed of ca. 110 km/h. Suspension is by girder forks in front and plungers at the rear. Note the peculiar “up front” place of the kick starter. This rare and beautifully finished “racer for the road” has been restored to a high standard and comes with original Italian log book showing that she was first registered in the province of Parma on April 21, 1952. Further photostat documents include parts list and manual.